Isle Of Wight Council Leader Says Hampshire Reorganisation Decision Will Not Affect Island

The Isle of Wight’s status as a standalone unitary authority will not be affected by the Government’s decision to review plans to reorganise local government in Hampshire.

Council leader Jonathan Bacon says the Island’s position is “plainly recognised and accepted” and has the backing of neighbouring authorities.

His comments follow the Government’s decision to withdraw its approval of proposals which would have seen Hampshire and the surrounding area reorganised into four larger councils.

The plans included mergers involving Southampton, Portsmouth, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and several other parts of Hampshire.

Ministers have now ordered a review after receiving new legal advice about the proposed changes.

However, Cllr Bacon says that does not change the position of the Isle of Wight or the Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority.

He said suggestions that the Island’s future status could now be affected would amount to “scaremongering for political reasons”.

The Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority forms part of a £1.3 billion devolution deal intended to provide additional powers and investment across the region.